Controversial plans to build on the site of a Grade II-listed former RAF mast are set to be approved after a 10-year battle.
A two-storey data storage facility is proposed to be constructed in the shadow of the historic structure on land in Dunkirk, near Faversham.
The mast in Courtenay Road was used to spot enemy aircraft in the Battle of Britain and has been at the centre of a long-running planning row following resistance from neighbours.
Previous bids for the building were rejected in 2013 and 2015, but the green light was finally given in 2018 after concerns relating to noise, ecology, heritage and archaeology were addressed.
But the planning permission has since expired, which forced applicant Origin Power Services to put forward what it says is “effectively a resubmission” of the approved proposal last year.
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Now, the application is finally set to be considered by Swale Borough Council on Thursday, has been recommended for approval by officers.
Planning documents submitted to the local authority say the site has good potential for secure data storage.
The documents read: “The scheme offers the opportunity to use the former RAF mast site more efficiently, offering a service to support the future communication needs of businesses and to secure the future of the mast.
“The site is unusual as it contains a mast tall enough to have a clear line of sight to central London and the continent and also close to high-capacity cables under the A2/M2 corridor which has fibre optic cable linking the site to central London. The A2 is located 320m to the south of the site.
“This offers very good potential for high-speed and secure data storage and means the site is well-located to provide a secure data storage facility with more than one means of data transfer.”
The scheme would see a two-storey building erected, with room for seven parking spaces, if approved.
A planning officer has recommended the application be delegated to the head of planning to grant planning permission, subject to appropriate safeguarding conditions.
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The document argue that the new-build would be “some distance away” from homes in the area, and it is of a “comparable height to the two-storey houses.”
The application states the aesthetics of the building “are not at odds with the historic character of the listed building.”
“These IT communication systems reflect something of the historic use of the RAF mast,” it adds.
But there has again been resistance from residents, as well as Dunkirk Parish Council, which wrote: “We voted unanimously to object to the planning application on the grounds of concerns over the uncertainty surrounding noise levels, which are considered unacceptable.
“If the council are mindful of granting planning permission, we suggest further investigations are made regarding noise attenuation examples, especially at other data storage facilities.”
Resident Sally Wills, who says the building will “be in my direct sight”, also has concerns over the noise levels.
“Near enough opposite me, where they’ve got equipment including the generators, the noise can get unbearable sometimes,” she said.
“I have complained about the constant droning.
“When they first put the plans in, they told us how important it was for the banks in London; it was top-notch stuff and the rest of it. But here we are nine years later – it can’t have been that important as nothing has happened.”
Previous versions of the plan also included a museum to commemorate the area’s importance in the Second World War.
This has since been scrapped, as it was believed to be unviable, and it has been suggested information boards explaining the history of the site could be erected instead.
Origin Power Services plans to continue to pay homage to the site’s historical importance.
“The original radar station and mast played a pivotal role in the defence of Britain during World War II and the Cold War that followed, and conservation officers have recommended that the new data centre should reflect the style of other buildings built for defence purposes at that time,” the business said.
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